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Lobbying efforts pay off as Section 179 conformity nears finish line in Minnesota

The president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers says the Association’s work over the past two years to bring full Section 179 conformity to Minnesota is about to pay off.

Jamie Beyer, who farms near Wheaton, tells Brownfield there were several ramifications stemming from the state not fully conforming to federal code that should be alleviated when a bill passed by the legislature this week is signed into law.

“We have a lot of Soybean Grower Association members who had a bill on the kitchen table that’s been there a while that they’ve been worried about because those bills are due after January first.”

She says a lobby effort by Minnesota Soybean and several other ag organizations helped keep Section 179 alive through five special sessions.

“I’d just like to thank all those legislators that put their support into getting that passed. It took a bipartisan effort, and we’re looking forward to the Governor signing it.”

Beyer says several times this year MSGA activated phone campaigns and used digital advocacy to urge legislators to come to agreement on a bill that included Section 179 conformity.